Page 13

Had it been like that for me and my parents — before I was left at Aunt Grace's with no memories?

I couldn't even remember their faces, let alone what they were like.

Had they been in love?

Did they tell me stories to help me fall asleep?

Were we … happy?

A pang of loneliness swept through me, and I pushed it away. I had no right to be lonely when so many had been hurt because of my actions.

I pulled my arms into my rough canvas shirt and let my chin drop to my chest.

I was so tired, and my body ached from the elbow jab and kick that morning.

But my pile of straw was so far away …

Shifting my head to rest on the bars, I let my eyes slip closed.

It would do for tonight.

Chapter 5

Kaiya

"Maderoth!" Holden called out as his heavy footsteps drew near my cell.

My hands shook as I brought the last bit of porridge to my mouth, then scratched the 106th line on the floor.

Only a few more days …

Holden twisted the keys in the lock, and I stumbled to my feet with a grunt.

My knees trembled, immediately giving out.

Fuck. I got weaker every day. How much more could my body take?

"Seriously?" Holden sneered, opening the cell door. "Do I need to come in and drag you out?"

I gritted my teeth, shook my head, then pushed myself up into a standing position, locking my knees so I didn't fall again.

"Wake up, Westin," another guard called as Holden reached in to yank me to his side.

Westin?

My heart gave a slow thump as Liam's cell door swung open.

No! We were so close! Surely he —

But Liam had already moved to the doorway, familiar green eyes meeting mine with a calm sense of confidence. He gave a small shake of his head, then turned to look at the guard.

"You sure about this?" he asked.

The guard spat on the ground and shoved him in my direction. "Follow the bitch."

Liam stumbled into line behind me, shoulders straight.

Fuck!!